Andalusia sits on Spain’s southern coast and is considered an autonomous region in its own right.
Famous for its beautiful landscape filled with rolling hills, lush farmland, and meandering rivers, Andalusia makes for a lovely holiday destination.
From the well-known capital city, Saville, to the smaller towns and villages hidden away among the gorgeous scenery, Andalusia has a great variety of places to visit and things to do.
If you’re looking for good weather, good food, and a wonderful and welcoming culture, then this might just be the perfect place for you.
Here’s a list of some of the most popular attractions in Andalusia…
Seville
Legend says the city was built by Hercules himself, and Seville definitely lives up to its grand reputation. This vibrant capital city has long been a popular destination for tourists from around the world who flock to its sunny climate and traditional culture.
The city, famous for its ancient architecture and colorful flamenco dancing, truly has something for everyone. You can enjoy a quiet stroll through the cobbled streets at dusk, or visit one of Seville’s lively nightclubs and dance the night away without a care in the world.
Seville Royal Alcazar
The Alcazar Palace is a beautiful building with a fascinating history that includes both Spain’s Christian and Muslim roots. The palace was originally Abbadid’s fortress, and then it became the royal palace of King Peter of Castile.
Today, the palace is open to visitors and you enjoy a good few hours exploring this grand and luxurious site. Parts of the palace have been damaged by earthquakes throughout the years, but it has all been carefully restored and renovated.
Seville Santa Cruz Neighbourhood
The Seville Santa Cruz neighborhood is another must-see place. Described as a ‘tourist’s dream’ this historic district is home to some of Seville’s most iconic landmarks. The Santa Cruz area also has a unique cultural flavor and atmosphere that is sure to delight visitors.
Among Santa Cruz’s popular landmarks is the Gothic Seville Cathedral as well as the towering Giralda Bell Tower. You’ll also see orange trees lining most streets creating a vibrant canopy, as well as tapas bars galore.
Grenada
Grenada can be found in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Like many cities in Andalusia, Grenada is home to some exceptional examples of ancient architecture and monuments.
The city has a wonderful combination of Renaissance, Baroque, Gothic and Neoclassical buildings to explore. Being an inland city, Grenada does not have any beaches to relax at, but its many attractions more than makeup for the lack of swimming opportunities.
Granada Alhambra
The Granada Alhambra is a sprawling fortress and a fascinating place to visit. It is considered one of the best-preserved examples of ancient Islamic architecture in the world and is a must-see place in Grenada.
The Alhambra was originally built between 1238 and 1358, during the reign of Ibn al-Ahmar who was the founder of the Nasrid dynasty. Today, the palace is just as impressive and imposing as when it was first built and is definitely worth visiting.
Grenada Royal Chapel
The Grenada Royal Chapel is an Isabelline-style building originally constructed between 1505 and 1517. When the chapel was first built, it was actually a part of the neighboring Granada Cathedral, but now it stands on its own.
The Royal Chapel is famous for being the burial place of Spanish Monarchs, including Queen Isabella I and King Ferdinand. The interior of the chapel is just as grand as you would imagine, with gold decorating the walls and ceiling and stunning paintings covering the glass windows.
Granada Alcaiceria
The Alcaiceria is a permanent bazaar in the city center that features a wide variety of products and souvenirs to browse through. If you’re looking to spend time in a fast-paced, colorful environment then this is the place for you.
You’ll find stalls selling everything from clothes and hand-dyed fabric to jewelry and carved ornaments of Granada’s iconic monuments. Everything here is one of a kind, and it’s a delightful experience compared to a standard shopping mall.
Ronda
The mountain top town of Ronda is part of the Malaga province and provides some of the most dramatic and breathtaking scenery you’ll find in Spain. This ancient settlement dates back to the Moorish era, and today the deep gorge separates the Old Town and the New Town.
One of the town’s most famous landmarks is the bullring found in the New Town, which dates back to around the 18th century and is a great photo opportunity for tourists.
Ronda Puente Nuevo
Another of Ronda’s iconic landmarks is the Puente Nuevo bridge. This incredible feat of engineering is comprised of a towering stone bridge that spans across the vast gorge in the center of Ronda.
The bridge creates a truly staggering vista and looks rather like something out of Lord of the Rings. In total, it took over 40 years for the bridge to be completed, but the majestic end result was definitely worth it.
Ronda Mondragon Palace
The Ronda Mondragon Palace is another must-see place in this beautiful town. The Palace is actually a 14th-century villa that has been turned into a local history museum where you can learn all about Ronda’s fantastic history and how it became the birthplace of the legendary bullfighting.
The villa itself is very beautiful and has landscaped gardens that are sure to delight any gardening enthusiasts. You can explore the grounds and see the ornate water features that have been carefully restored.
Malaga
Malaga is an autonomous region inside the autonomous region of Andalusia, so people here have double independence. Malaga is set against the famous Costa del Sol, a paradise for sun-seekers.
Being right on the coast, Malaga is one of the best places to go if you fancy a seaside holiday with gorgeous weather and deliciously fresh food. The city also has a thriving art scene, and it was the birthplace of Pablo Picasso.
Cadiz
Cadiz is an ancient port city in Andalusia. Interestingly, it was the official home of the Spanish Navy and during the 16th century, it became a major port for imports and export to and from Spain.
Because of its prominent port status, Cadiz has an incredible 100 watchtowers and viewpoints, many of which are still standing and have become iconic landmarks and great photo locations for tourists.
Cordoba
Cordoba is an ancient city in Andalusia and is the capital of the Cordoba region. The city has a fantastic history, having been an important geographic city during the Roman era and a major Islamic area during the Middle Ages.
Naturally, Cordoba’s varied heritage has left it with some spectacular examples of architecture and a unique culture all of its own. This delightful city is sure to impress any visitors with its range of attractions and cultural experiences.
Marbella
The city of Marbella sits on the Costa del Sol and is considered by many to be the ultimate resort area. Almost 30 km of beaches covered in pearl white sand stretch across the coastline, interspersed with villas, hotels, and golf courses.
These amazing Mediterranean highlights are set against the beautiful backdrop of the Sierra Blanca Mountains, which create a beautiful contrast to this sunny haven. You’ll also find plenty of watersport centers and luxury yachts available for hire.
Tabernas Desert
Unlike much of Andalusia which is made up of glistening beaches and seaside resorts, the Tabernas Desert offers a totally different experience. If you feel tired of endless beaches and the ongoing cycle of swimming and sunbathing, this could be just the place for you.
The Tabernas Desert is a semi-arid region where it rarely rains and there are approximately 3000 hours of sunshine. Interestingly, this wild landscape is the only inland desert in Europe. Although the scenery may look harsh and washed out to some, it also has a strange beauty and a unique appeal that contrasts perfectly with the rest of Andalusia.
